Grant Applications for Community Foundation Now Being Accepted

By Hilary Canty, OICF Executive Director

The Orcas Island Community Foundation (OICF) is now accepting applications for the 2013 competitive grants program. Trustee Coleen O’Brien will chair the grants committee, whose members include both OICF Trustees and community members. In the 2012 grants cycle, OICF, together with its Partners in Philanthropy, awarded $100,652 to 25 different Orcas Island organizations.

OICF spent eighteen months assessing community needs (see the Community Needs Assessment HERE). The three primary concerns that ran across all sectors were:

• Increasing coordination and cooperation of programs and services
• Providing education & training for both staff and community to increase capacity
• Developing pathways of communication to enhance outreach and support

While all grant applications will be considered, to meet these needs and build community capacity, priority will be given to grant applications that meet one or more of these areas of concern. The Committee will also consider the identified need the application addresses, number of islanders served, impact on those served, if other funding has been sought, and whether it is a collaborative effort.

Organizations are encouraged to contact OICF to discuss grant ideas and submit proposals for review by March 1st.

Applications are available at www.oicf.us .

The Committee reviews all grant applications and a conducts a site visit to learn more about each proposal. The committee then convenes and prioritizes vetted and approved proposals to make funding recommendations to the OICF Board. Funds will be given to successful applicants at the Grants Award Celebration in May 2013.

Please contact Kate Long or Hilary Canty at OICF (376-6423) or e-mail grants@oicf.us with questions.